In 1947 Austin launched its first post-war family saloon range, the A40 Devon and A40 Dorset. Both cars were built on a separate chassis but with modern saloon body styles and overhead valve 1200cc engines rated at 40hp (hence the A40 name). The Devon proved to be the most popular of the two cars, its four-door body being ideal for small families, in fact by 1951 Austin had decided to drop the two-door Dorset from the range. Other A40 Devon variants were also available including a Countryman estate car, Van and Pick-up as well as a Sports version.

The Devon served well during its production run, earning much needed export orders from around the world, but was eventually replaced in 1952 by the larger, more bulbous A40 Somerset range. However, the Devon-based Pick-up remained in production until the end of 1956, the rear load bay being made in aluminium by Jensen of West Bromwich.

First registered in January 1957, this particular Pick-up is one of the last examples made and was supplied new by Pikes of Exeter, as is evidenced by a plaque inside the passenger door. It was to remain in Devon for the next 52 years, eventually forming part of the Ken Wills collection in Crediton, only being sold off after his death last year. Since then the vehicle has been sympathetically rejuvenated and recommissioned with a new radiator, water pump and battery fitted and the kingpins dismantled and rebushed. Said to run and drive well and to be in good order throughout, it is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale.